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“BET AWARDS” SHOWS OUT FOR CULTURE’S BIGGEST NIGHT WITH AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN, ENTERTAINER, AND CULTURAL SENSATION DRUSKI, FILLED WITH ICONIC TRIBUTES AND PERFORMANCES



“BET AWARDS” SHOWS OUT FOR CULTURE’S BIGGEST NIGHT WITH AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN, ENTERTAINER, AND CULTURAL SENSATION DRUSKI, FILLED WITH ICONIC TRIBUTES AND PERFORMANCES

TEYANA TAYLOR LED WITH 4 BET AWARD WINS

JANET JACKSON SURPRISED TEYANA TAYLOR WITH THE ICON OF THE YEAR AWARD

LIVING LEGEND ICON MS. LAURYN HILL HONORED WITH STAR-STUDDED TRIBUTE BY ALEXIA JAYY, COMMON, DOECHII, DOJA CAT, LIZZO, NAS, QUEEN LATIFAH, RAPSODY, SELAH, SZA, TEMS, TIERRA WHACK, THE WAR AND TREATY, ZION MARLEY, AND YG MARLEY

SYLVIA RHONE LEGENDARY MUSIC EXECUTIVE AND CEO OF EPIC RECORDS RECEIVES ULTIMATE ICON AWARD PRESENTED BY KELLY ROWLAND

SURPRISE APPEARANCES FROM MARTIN LAWERENCE AND YUNG MIAMI, WITH UNEXPECTED PERFORMANCE FROM JAMIE FOXX AND DAUGHTER ANELISE FOXX

OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER HONORED WITH SHINE A LIGHT AWARD, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SHARES SPECIAL MESSAGE

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCES BY CARDI B, KEHLANI, T.I., RICK ROSS, BABY KEEM, FRENCH MONTANA, TEMS, KWN, KENNY IKO

POWERFUL TRIBUTES BY ERICA CAMPBELL, LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON, ARI LENNOX, RAYE, DURAND BERNARR, BJ THE CHICAGO KID, GEORGE CLINTON, ALEXIA JAYY, COMMON, DOECHII, DOJA CAT, LIZZO, NAS, QUEEN LATIFAH, RAPSODY, SELAH, TIERRA WHACK, THE WAR AND TREATY, ZION MARLEY, AND YG MARLEY

MS. LAURYN HILL CLOSED THE SHOW WITH HER ANTHEMS “EX-FACTOR” AND “EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING”

WATCH THE ENCORE ON “BET AWARDS” 2026 ON MONDAY, JUNE 29 AT 10 PM ET AND STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+ STARTING MONDAY, JUNE 29 AT 6:30 AM ET

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LOS ANGELES – June 28, 2026 – “BET Awards” 2026 recognized Black culture across music, television and film hosted by comedian Druski. Airing live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, Teyana Taylor took home top honors with four award wins. Paired with unforgettable performances, Culture’s Biggest Night celebrated the very best in entertainment and culture.

Icon Awards were presented to Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor, and Sylvia Rhone, with tributes highlighting their illustrious careers:

  • Ms. Lauryn Hill, who closed the show with and electrifying performances of “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything,” received the Living Legend Icon Award sponsored by Sprite, with tribute performances by Alexia Jayy, Common, Doechii, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, selah, SZA, Tierra Whack, The War and Treaty, Zion Marley, and YG Marley. The honor reflected Ms. Hill’s attention and mastery of her craft, and her work’s mainstay in culture. The award was presented by Ice Cube.

  • Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year Award sponsored by Hyundai, recognizing her as a creative force whose work, presence, and vision are setting the tone for culture. Janet Jackson presented her honor, calling her “an unflinching perfectionist” whose devotion is woven into everything she touches and whose focus and vision bring to life what many would deem impossible.

  • Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award sponsored by Unstopables, for her visionary approach to uplifting artists, expanding culture, and contributions to the ongoing genius of American music, presented by Kelly Rowland.

This year, the BET Awards introduced two new categories: the Fashion Vanguard Award presented to Teyana Taylor, recognizing her contribution in shaping culture through fashion, style, and creative expression; and the Pulse Award presented to Druski, recognizing his contribution in shaping conversation and cultural influence across digital media, podcasts and emerging content platforms.

BET also presented its Shine a Light honor to the Obama Presidential Center, recognizing institutions whose vision and commitment to community have left a lasting mark on Black life in America. The honor came days after the Center's Juneteenth weekend opening in Chicago's Hyde Park, the neighborhood where President Obama's own journey began. President Barack Obama shared a special video message accepting the honor on behalf of the Obama Foundation.

The memorable evening featured a heartfelt tribute highlighting the life and legacy of the late D’Angelo, with powerful performances from Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and Raye, culminating in a deeply personal onstage moment alongside D’Angelo’s children. Additionally, the In Memoriam segment was anchored by the timeless music of the late gospel pioneer Richard Smallwood and brought to life through moving vocal performances by Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson, honoring those lost over the past year.

Ahead of the live show, The 2026 BET Awards “Red Carpet Live!” Presented by Hyundai and McDonald’s returned with hosts Bow Wow & Rocsi Diaz on the Main Stage, Loren Lorosa on the Style Stage presented by Mielle, Jason Lee on the Digital Stage, and Tierra Marsh and Brian McIntosh hosting the Social Stage where winners of Sportswoman of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, The Pulse Award and the Young Stars Award were revealed.

Ahead of the live red carpet, BET premiered “Behind the Image: BET Awards Edition”, featuring Druski, Keke Palmer and T.I., hosted by Terrence J, along with a special performance from Fetty Wap, directly followed by the television premiere of Bow Wow’s ‘NPR Tiny Desk’ performance.

The “BET Awards,” which has become synonymous with powerful Black artistry and social commentary, continued to spotlight and celebrate the artists and creators of tomorrow, making the ceremony one of the most news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts year after year. Watch an encore of “BET Awards” 2026, June 29 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. Relive and share every moment of the “BET Awards” 2026 available now on BET’s official YouTube page.

The complete list of winners, clips, and photos from the “BET Awards" 2026 is available below.

Full Recap of “BET Awards” 2026 Highlights

  • BET praised Black Excellence in music, television, film, and sports across more than 20 categories.
  • Druski’s opening monologue set the tone for a night full of comedy, celebration, and reflection.
  • T.I. kicked off the evening with a high-energy performance of” “Top Back” and “Let ’Em Know,” setting the tone for a night of electrifying performances from Baby Keem, Cardi B, Doechii, French Montana, Kenny Iko, KWN, Max B, Rapsody, Rick Ross, Tems, and more.
  • Kehlani delivered an emotional and heartfelt rendition of “Folded,” captivating the audience with a deeply personal performance.
  • Janet Jackson took the BET Awards stage to present a tearful Teyana Taylor with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award. Jackson also surprised her with the announcement that she had earned three additional accolades: the Fashion Vanguard Award, Video Director of the Year, and Best Actress.
  • Cardi B brought unmatched energy to the BET Awards stage with performances of “ErrTime” and “Pretty & Petty”.
  • Druski brought his signature humor to the show with a live Coulda Been Records audition skit featuring Durand Bernarr and Saint Harison.
  • Druski surprised the audience by bringing out Martin Lawrence to introduce Yung Miami, who then presented Doechii and SZA with the BET Her Award.
  • Barack Obama shared a special message about the newly opened Obama Presidential Center at the BET Awards
  • French Montana and Max B brought their New York swag to the BET Awards with a performance of “Ever Since U Left Me”, before Rick Ross joined them on stage for a rendition of “Minks in Miami".
  • Tems delivered a soulful performance of “What You Need” captivating the audience with her powerful vocals.
  • Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson delivered a stirring In Memoriam tribute, honoring those lost over the past year with a heartfelt performance.
  • D’Angelo’s longtime band, The Vanguard, paid tribute to the legendary artist with a heartful performance, joined by Ari Lennox, RAYE, and Durand Bernarr in a moving celebration of his life and music legacy.
  • On the BET Amplified stage, Kenny Iko delivered a dynamic performance of his single “Talk Dirty".
  • Lauryn Hill closed the BET Awards with a surprise performance of “Ex Factor” and “Everything is Everything” after being honored with the Living Legend Icon Award, marking a powerful finale to the evening.
  • Presenters for the evening included: Carl Anthony Payne II, Chloe Bailey, Chris “Comedian CP” Powell, Deon Cole, Deray Davis, Diarra Kilpatrick, Gail Bean, Isaiah John, Jaafar Jackson, Jacob Latimore, Keke Palmer, Kelly Rowland, Latto, Luke James, Marsai Martin, Nia Long, Yung Miami, and more.

The complete list of winners for the “BET AWARDS” 2026 are:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“Ler God Sort Em Out” - Clipse

BEST COLLABORATION
“Chains & Whips” - Clipse, Kendrick Lamar

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Kehlani

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Leon Thomas

BEST NEW ARTIST
Olivia Dean

BEST GROUP
Clipse

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Cardi B

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
“Headphones” - Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.

BET HER AWARD
“Girl Get Up” - Doechii, SZA

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Folded” - Kehlani

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Teyana Taylor

BEST MOVIE
“Sinners”

BEST ACTRESS
Teyana Taylor

BEST ACTOR
Michael B. Jordan

THE FASHION VANGUARD AWARD (NEW)
Teyana Taylor

THE PULSE AWARD (NEW)
Druski

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Jazzy’s World TV

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
A'ja Wilson — Basketball

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Brunson — Basketball


VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD

“Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist


For a full recap of “BET Awards” 2026 including the complete list of winners and show highlights, Click HERE

BET.com/bet-awards is the official site for “BET Awards” 2026 and is the official source for the latest news and updates about this year's show. Follow us @BET and @BETAWARDS.

For more information on the “BET Awards” 2026, please visit BET.com/bet-awards.

Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, will oversee and Executive Produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement, to also Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.

*“BET AWARDS” 2026 BROADCAST RESTRICTIONS

News programs and services may excerpt portions of the “BET Awards” 2026 telecast during the seven days following the broadcast premiere on Sunday, June 28 solely for reporting about the “BET Awards” 2026 as an event and subject to the following conditions.

Broadcast Restrictions:

  • Up to three minutes in total, but no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance, may be used within the period ending the first day following the telecast.

  • Up to one minute in total, not separate from the three minutes referenced above and no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used within the period of the second through seventh days following the telecast.

  • Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of BET”.

Online Restrictions:

  • Otherwise, up to thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used as part of a wrap-up package through the seventh day following the telecast (For purposes of clarification, you may NOT use portions of the “BET Awards” 2026 as standalone video assets).

  • Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of BET”, and a link to www.bet.com

ABOUT BET
“BET Awards” is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is the #1 telecast for BET every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.


ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
“BET Awards” is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is the #1 telecast for BET every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment
Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment.  JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions—specials, sports, scripted and unscripted. From the specials division: award shows—The Emmy Awards, iHeart Radio Music Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials—Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), Grace For The World: Live from St. Peters Square, A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Life Part 2, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway. From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix’s Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party. From the scripted division: scripted series—Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story. From the unscripted division: unscripted series – Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series—Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows – We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner).  Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming. He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars. Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President. Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.

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